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The Old Religion No one knows the true origin of Wicca. Some believe it has been around since the dawn of man, and that it just adapted with the times. Traces of the religion can be found in Greek, Roman and ancient Egyptian cultures. Paintings on caves recount similar rituals for fertility and a good harvest Whatever you believe, it is fair to say that from the beginning of time, people have practiced a nature-based, polytheist religion. Rituals where held to herald in spring, to ask for a successful crop, to celebrate the ancestors, etc. Variations of this religion existed in most cultures for thousands of years. Whether or not Wicca as it is practiced today is the same faith that has been around for thousands of years or whether it is something Gerald Gardner gave birth to will always be a great source of debate. Sure Gardner was the first to "go public" with the secrets of Witchcraft, but where did he get those secrets? And aren't there family traditions that can trace Witches through the generations? Does it really matter? Whether Wicca is an modern adaptation of the old ways or the actual old ways, it's connection to the ancient religions cannot be denied. That is why it is important to understand the history of those religions in order to prevent persecution like The Burning Times from happening again and to fight the discrimination, prejudice and general ignorance that many people still have toward our ways today. The
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